Requirements to Register Your Motorcycle

The documents you need to register a vehicle will vary on whether 1) your title is from Connecticut or a different state, 2) your motorcycle has a lien, or 3) if your motorcycle is leased.

This service is offered by appointment only at a DMV office.  Make an appointment here. 

 

Please carefully read the instructions below to be sure you have the correct documents prior to visiting a DMV office.

 

If you are new to Connecticut, you have 60 days to transfer your motorcycle registration to this state once you have established residency. 

 

Scooters, mopeds and other motor-driven cycles:  For more information registration requirements, visit this webpage. 

 

Here are the steps to take to register a motorcycle:

 

Step 1: Check for outstanding issues

 

• Prior to registering your motorcycle, be sure you do not have any issues (such as property taxes or insurance lapses) that may stop you. Check online here.  

 

Step 2: Gather your documents

Documents required:

 

• Identification.  You must present an acceptable form of identification to register your motorcycle. See full list of acceptable forms of identification.  
• Proof of insurance.  Your insurance card must include this information.
• Completed registration application (Form H-13B).  Download and fill out this form before coming into the office.
• Bill of sale. For motorcycle recently purchased. You can use this form.  
• Payment:  A motorcycle registration with new plates (and no lien) will cost $133. (There is an additional $10 fee for processing a vehicle with a lien).  In addition, sales tax will be charged on recently purchased vehicles. 
• Proof of ownership.  An original title is required.  If it is a vehicle from outside Connecticut, please see Title Information By State to know if title is needed. If the motorcycle is not titled in that state, the valid registration from previous owner is needed. If registration is expired, you will need to obtain a letter of registration verification from the previous state DMV.

 

Please notify the lien holder or leasing company using this letter and ask them to mail the title to the address below:

State of Connecticut
Department of Motor Vehicles
ATTN: Record Updates
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161    

 

Upon confirmation of receipt of your title documents, please allow 5 business days for the vehicle to be processed into the system before visiting a branch office.

If the original title is not available, you can request a six-month registration (called a courtesy registration) to give your lienholder or leasing company time to mail your original title to Connecticut DMV. This applies only when there is a lien holder holding the original title. More information on how to apply for a courtesy registration.

 

Step 3: (Out-of-State Titled Motorcycles only) Bring it to a VIN Verification Center 

 

Visit an official VIN verification center to verify the motorcycle’s vehicle identification number prior to visiting DMV office.  This is required only for motorcycles with an out-of-state title. The fee will be $10. Be sure to bring your inspection report to DMV when registering your motorcycle.

 

Step 4: Make an Appointment at a DMV Office

 

If you are transferring your license and registration from out of state, you can perform both services with one appointment by selecting "Out-of-State Transfers" here. If you are only registering your motorcycle, please make a "Registration" appointment here.